What to Expect at The Springs Resort: First-Timer's Guide
Planning your first visit to The Springs Resort? Whether you’re booking an overnight hot springs getaway, researching a wellness retreat, or redeeming a gifted trip, knowing what to expect can help you make the most of your time in Pagosa Springs.
The Springs Resort is located in downtown Pagosa Springs along the San Juan River and features more than 50 geothermal pools fed by the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring. The property combines geothermal soaking, wellness programming, accommodations, dining, spa services, and easy access to downtown attractions in one destination.
What You Pay at The Springs Resort: Access Options at a Glance
FeatureWhat to Expect
LocationThe Springs Resort is located in downtown Pagosa Springs along the San Juan River, offering natural mountain wellness immersion.Hot Springs50+ geothermal pools.Water SourceThe Springs Resort’s Mother Spring was discovered and named by the Southern Ute tribe as “Pagosa,” meaning healing waters. The geothermal mineral water contains 13 therapeutic minerals, creating one of the most comprehensive mineral profiles in North America.Temperature RangeThe resort features the widest temperature range of any hot springs resort in North America, spanning approximately 77 degrees from 35°F to 112°F.River AccessSan Juan River cold-plunge access.Overnight Guest Benefit24-hour unlimited access to all 50+ geothermal pools for overnight guests.Wellness ActivitiesAqua Yoga, Aqua Sound Bathing, contrast bathing, and other wellness programming depending on schedules and availability.Dining On-property dining options plus walkable access to downtown Pagosa Springs restaurants.SpaFull-service spa treatments and wellness experiences.
What Should You Pack?
Most first-time guests are surprised by how little they actually need.
Packing Checklist
● Swimsuit
● Water bottle
● Sandals or flip-flops
● Cover-up or comfortable layers
● Sunscreen
● Sunglasses
● Reusable tote bag
● Light workout clothing for wellness classes
● Warm layer for evening walks between pools
What You Don’t Need to Overpack
● Formal resort wear
● Pool equipment
● Towels for soaking areas
Your Arrival and Hot Springs Experience
#1 Check In
Upon arrival, you’ll receive information about:
● Pool access
● Property orientation
● Wellness programming schedules
● Dining options
● Spa services
Many guests begin soaking shortly after arrival.
#2 Explore the Pool Areas
One of the biggest first-timer questions is: “Which pool should I start with?” Start cooler than you think you need. Many first-time visitors enjoy gradually working their way through different temperature zones.
| Pool Temperature | Best For |
|---|---|
| 80–90°F | Gentle soaking and acclimation to mineral water |
| Mid-90s–100s°F | Extended relaxation and comfortable soaking sessions |
| 101–108°F | Traditional hot spring soaking experience |
| 109–114°F | Short therapeutic soaking sessions |
The Springs Resort features more than 50 geothermal pools, making it one of the largest collections of geothermal pools at a single resort property. Some pool types you might encounter are:
● Relaxation pools
● Riverside soaking pools
● Adults-focused areas
● Family-friendly soaking areas
● Contrast bathing pools
● Cold plunge experiences
● River-access plunge locations
#3 Enjoy Extended Wellness Programming for Overnight Guests
The Springs Resort also offers extensive wellness programming, which can be enjoyed to its fullest extent for overnight guests.
Depending on schedules and availability, overnight guests may also have access to programming such as:
● Aqua Yoga
● Aqua Sound Bathing
● Guided contrast bathing
● Meditation experiences
● Wellness education
The Springs Resort is the only hot springs resort in the United States with a dedicated naturopathic Medical Director overseeing wellness programming.
A Typical Day at The Springs Resort
Morning
● Sunrise soak
● Coffee and breakfast (on property or in downtown Pagosa Springs)
● Wellness programming
● Gentle movement or meditation
Midday
● Explore different geothermal pools
● Spa treatments
● Lunch (on the property or in downtown Pagosa Springs)
● Walk downtown Pagosa Springs
Afternoon
● Guided contrast bathing
● Additional soaking
● Wellness classes
Evening
● Dinner (on the property or in downtown Pagosa Springs)
● Stargazing
● Nighttime mineral bathing, which is available for 24-hours for overnight guests
Many repeat guests consider evening soaking one of the highlights of the experience. The combination of mountain air, geothermal mineral water, and the sounds of the nearby San Juan River create a distinct experience.
Pool Etiquette for First-Time Visitors
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Stay hydrated | Occupy small pools for long periods during busy times |
| Shower before entering pools when requested | Bring glass containers |
| Respect quiet wellness areas | Stay in hot pools longer than your body comfortably tolerates |
| Take breaks between hotter pools | Ignore signs regarding age restrictions or pool-specific rules |
When thinking through how long you should soak, each guest is different. Many visitors enjoy alternating between geothermal mineral water pools and cold-water experiences along the San Juan River. Our recommended approach is:
● Soak for 10-20 minutes
● Cool down
● Hydrate
● Repeat
● The goal is comfort and relaxation.
Day Pass or Overnight Stay?
This is one of the most common questions among first-time visitors.
A day pass is best for:
● Travelers passing through Pagosa Springs
● First-time visitors wanting a shorter experience
● Guests with limited schedules
An overnight stay is best for:
● Couples wellness retreats
● Weekend wellness trips
● Sleep wellness focused travel
● Guests wanting multiple soaking sessions or to experience overnight soaking
To book a visit to The Springs Resort, visit: https://www.pagosahotsprings.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Springs Resort get crowded?
Like most top hot springs destinations, demand varies by season, weekends, and holidays. The large number of geothermal pools distributed across the property helps provide a variety of soaking environments, and guests often find quieter pools by exploring beyond the most visible areas.
Are there kid-friendly and adults-focused pools?
Yes. Different pool areas are designed for different guest experiences. Families can find pools suitable for shared soaking, while adults seeking a quieter atmosphere can often find more tranquil areas throughout the property. The resort offers several adult-only soaking areas.
Is The Springs Resort worth staying overnight?
For many first-time visitors, the biggest advantage is flexibility. Overnight guests can enjoy multiple soaking sessions, evening soaking under the stars, wellness programming, accommodations, and dining. The Springs Resort offers 24-hour unlimited access to all 50+ geothermal pools for overnight guests.
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